Getting Away

• Chelsea Phillips, Grade 9
• Short Story
• 2019

My long brown hair was swaying in the wind behind me as I was running, my bag on my shoulder going along with it. I was getting away, - correction, I needed to get away. I couldn’t stand this town, it was too boring and reminded me of the memories of my late mother and father. My lungs felt like they were on fire but I kept on running, not knowing where I was going, nor how long it would take for me to reach a place I would like. My eyes were stinging as the cold air hit my face, but I kept on running. I couldn’t stop. My feet were hurting, my chest was hurting, I felt like I was going to throw up. I stopped running and got down on my knees trying to catch my breath. I felt like I was going to explode, and for the first time in 2 weeks I just let it out. Tears flowed down my now-rosy cheeks, sobs wracked through my body, I felt like I was dying. ‘Is this what dying feels like?’ I thought. I felt foot steps behind me. I turned around and I was met with the face of a man. He looked clearly distraught and he looked with me with concern. “You alright sweet-cheeks?” He asks, in a creepy tone. I nod, turning around so my back was facing him and dried my eyes. “I can help you know, get rid of the empty feeling you have in your heart.” He told me. I nodded and turned back around to face him. He handed me a little bottle full of capsules. I took a deep breath. This is what I want right? I open the cap and slowly empty the pills into my mouth, swallowing and immediately feeling a sense of relief. I smiled as I slowly went into darkness, knowing that I would be with my family once again.